How to make picture frames from old magazines
Purpose:
I want to help people find an easy and cost efficient way to decorate their home. By writing these instructions, I want to let people know that people can reduce clutter and add an accent to their home at the same time without spending a lot of money. I’m an artist but I’m also on a low budget. My friends come in my room and look at picture frames in my room and ask, “Where did you buy this? I love it!” The fact is, I didn’t buy the picture frames anywhere. It’s hard for my friends to believe that I actually made the picture frames myself, from old magazines and boxes I had laying around. The best possible outcome for following the instruction steps would be for people want to not only be able to use, but also and proudly display their own creation. I would really like to emphasize how easy and fun it can be to recycle old things into new projects, and for the audience to walk away feeling more comfortable doing so.
Audience:
A main characteristic of my target audience would be that they want to personalize their living space, but on a low budget. The audience could be young or old, male or female. Whether it be children who want to spice up their room at home, young adults making the most of a one-bedroom apartment, or older adults who just want to recycle magazines around the house, this project can be used in many different age groups. I feel that if they are attempting to create this project, they would be interested and excited to see the outcome of their work. I am also aware that some may not have confidence in their creative side, and may be frustrated or displeased with their outcome if it isn’t perfect the first time around.
Context
The instruction set will most likely be used when the reader is at home, or any other place they feel comfortable and relaxed while working. The communication may occur at anytime, day or night. I feel that the most effective way to communicate the set of instructions would be a written, step by step guide, with pictures and demonstrations at each stage of the project for references. In some cases, these instruction sets may be used by a larger group of people, perhaps a craft club or girl scout group, so they need to be accessible for a large audience as well. Therefore, the communication may be posted on the internet and/or available to be printed out on paper. The instructions should be written in a very clear, but informal manner so that the audience is relaxed. It should be fun and stress free!
Strategies:
Short sentences and visual aids at each numbered step are crucial. Steps should be one sentence with one main action, then accented with a picture and a few sentences (if needed) of further explanation and detail. If the design layout of my instructions is appealing ( colorful, neat, organized, easy to read, successful graphics) the audience is more likely to stay engaged with the project. I want to show the creative and artistic side to this project, so my instruction layout should be a unique and simple design. I want to be careful not to overwhelm the audience because those who aren’t-so- crafty may become confused and irritated. For those on the less artistic-side, neatness and simplicity throughout the design will be the most successful strategy in my communication.
Medium:
First choice would be an online webpage with instructions and pictures, and links that can be used if further explanation or detail is needed. My second choice of medium would be a printed out packet- format, easy to distribute to large groups if needed, with instructions and pictures and examples.
Arrangement:
Start with attractive Title and statement then include a picture of the finished product at top that catches the audience’s eye and encourages them to want to know more! As they continue reading they will fall into the introduction/purpose/ statement of encouragement to start the project. In big letters along left side, include a “shopping list” of materials needed in check-list format. I will also include a “suggestions” box with tips to know before starting the project. I am breaking down the instruction set into chapters/sections. The sections will be dividing the project into points that allow the appropriate time for breaks (if needed). The section titles will be in all caps with a check-list box to the left ( available for the audience to easily track steps). Main steps will be numbered, bolded, and in a larger font. The “main steps” will be shorter, “one-action” sentences, towards the right side of the page. They will be followed with a picture/graphic to the right of the text and further explanatory sentences below (in smaller font).
Testing:
To test the instructions, I am going to ask a few friends and classmates, both male and female, to follow the instructions . When picking these test-subjects, I will be sure to choose friends with various levels of artistic-skill, creativity, patience, age, and background. As they are testing the instructions, I will ask them to take note of any confusing directions or problems that they occur. After I make corrections to those certain areas, I will have a few friends in other cities follow the instructions to see if they are successful and problem-free.
Feedback
It is clear that you have thoroughly thought about the strategies element of the project. I liked that you went into specific detial about how you wanted to format the steps. For example,you said you'd be using small concise sentences that lead straight to the target point. You have also kept your audience in mind for this because you said you could have younger children involved making complicated steps too difficult.
I thought you might could have covered the audience element a little more precisely. It says your audience could range from young children to older adults, my only question is what are the two main groups you will be targeting? Will one set be for younger children and another for older adults, maybe just specify the audience of each of your instruction sets.
I think the step by step setup is very common and works well with all age groups and levels of experience. My instruction set will also be a step by step guide.
If your audience was to change, say to elementary school children, your layout would have to be altered to fit the setting of a classroom.
Feedback
The most in depth section is audience. You really describe a lot of characteristics of your audience. I like how you incorporate the negative feelings of your audience along with the positive.
The least in depth section is medium. I would like to know how the medium will work for both sets of audiences and why you chose those types of mediums.
I also chose to do an artistic topic. Mine is a little bit more generic but i think we would have similar audiences.
I think the instructions would change if the audience were for children who were making photo frames for their parents in school. I know that might be very specific but a lot of the instructions and tools would probably be different, as far as what types of magazines you are using and the safety of the kids when dealing with more dangerous art supplies (such as scissors).